Top-level domain (TLD) refers to the last part of a domain name. Examples include .com, .org, .net among others. The ‘.com’, ‘.org’, ‘.net’ etc are considered TLDs. More specific TLDs, known as Second Level Domains (SLDs), can be used for specific types of websites, such as .gov for government websites or .edu for educational institutions.
As for MICROSOFT, it is not a top-level domain by itself. “Microsoft” is a trademarked name for a corporation that is internationally recognized in the field of technology. It’s globally acknowledged for its vast range of products such as the Windows operating system, Office Suite etc. The official website of this corporation uses the top-level domain ‘.com’, hence their website is www.microsoft.com.
What you may have referred to is the branded top-level domain (bTLD). In 2012, ICANN (Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers) started accepting applications for new generic top-level domains(gTLDs) which allowed corporations to apply for TLDs containing their brand name. As a result, top global brands like Google applied and obtained ‘.google’ while Barclays acquired ‘.barclays’. ‘MICROSOFT’ could be used in a similar way, such as ‘.microsoft’ if the corporation decided to take this path, but as of now, there is no record or announcement by Microsoft corporation about owning a ‘.microsoft’ TLD.
It’s important to note that owning a brand-specific TLD doesn’t mean an end to the use of traditional TLDs like ‘.com’ or ‘.net’. This can be seen in how Google continues to use ‘ www.google.com’ instead of shifting completely to ‘www.google.google.’
Therefore, to make it clear, MICROSOFT is not a top-level domain. It is the name of a global technology corporation, and its official website uses ‘.com’, a widely recognized top-level domain. As per ICANN’s new gTLDs program, it’s theoretically possible for Microsoft to own ‘.microsoft’ but as of now, there has been no information to suggest they have taken up that option.
Sources:
1. “Top-level Domain.” TechTerms. https://techterms.com/definition/top-level\_domain
2. “The Difference Between URLs, Domain, and IP Addresses.” Nexcess. https://www.nexcess.net/blog/the-difference-between-urls-domains-and-ip-addresses/
3. “ICANN’s New gTLD Program.” ICANN. https://newgtlds.icann.org/en/about/program
4. “Why Top Level Domains Matter.” First.SITE. https://firstsiteguide.com/top-level-domains/
5. “Global Tech Company Owns .microsoft.” Dotbrand Observatory. http://observatory.domains/microsoft-domain-names-have-45-character-average/
